Edward the Confessor 

OR 

Sceptre and Sword 

DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS 



Adapted from the French by 
BENNETT D. CHARRON, A. M. 




JOSEPH F. WAGNER, NEW YORK 



CLASSICAL DRAMAS 

Arranged for Performance 
By Male Characters Only 

and supplied with minute stage directions, diagrams, costume and 
property plots, etc. 

By Prof. C. J. BIRBECK 

Teacher of Elocution at St. Francis XaviER'S Coi,i,3GB, New York; Seton 

Hau, Coi^EGE, South Orange, etc. ; Director of Dramatic Productions 

by ST. Francis XaviER'S and other prominent institutions 



OF THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ISSUED 

No. I. RICHARD HI, adapted from the original of Shakespeare. 

No. II. RICHELIEU, adapted from the original of Lytton Bulwer. 

No. III. THE BELLS, adapted from Sir Henry living's version. 

Price EACH 50 Cents 

The series will be continued 



For high class productions in Male Colleges, Young Men's 
Clubs, etc., no better or more successful material could be found 
than these CLASSICAL PLAYS, arranged by such an expert in 
stage craft as Prof. Birbeck. His explicit directions for stage 
managing these dramas will insure and facilitate a worthy, finished 
and successful performance of the same. Prof. Birbeck' s series will 
be cordially welcomed by all those in need of really good material 
for male performers, material which has so far been exceedingly 
scarce. 

JOSEPH F. WAGNER, 9 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK 



Edward the Confessor 

or 
SCEPTRE AND SWORD 



DRAMA 

IN FIVE ACTS 



Adapted from the French 

BY 

BENNETT D. CHARRON, A. M. 

Instructor in Elocution, Expressive Reading, Oratory, and 

Dramatic Literature at the Colonial College of Dramatic 

Art, Boston; at the Lowell Academy of Elocution; 

and at the Benjamin Franklin Debating 

Club, Lowell, Mass. 



NEW YORK 
JOSEPH F. WAGNER 



,^C433 



LIBRARY of GONSRtSS 
Two Copies deceived 

DEC 22 1304 

Goyyr!i>m entry 



'*&. 



XXd. No; 



QLASS 
I™ 



Copyright, 1904. by Joseph F. Wagner, New York 



I 



SCENERY, ACT I. 

€a$tle grounds wdk castle visible irv rear 



l^d^;t^«r^trof^^jfceutle.^ngraf^ejt^nc^ uv eentre^. m 



/_, £ X X | 



X 
X 
X 

*x 

.** ! X 
CmUd uwtjfwe I ^ 

xxx'x~xx*xxx"x! 

flowers azdCrey)sr$ 



Sed*\ 
Crattd wo* fine* 



tay*JZtwtffitt\ 



Ope* ordouUtswinjyaie. 



Ixx "x Vx'xx xxx 



***& 



(l&is&ctoickj 



9 " 

tuyjlmtrpae 



' \EuficeAMrtt^ 



Rustic T«tOKmaLOmu& , 



On flat. 6th groove, view of castle front, with stately entrance 
in center — and steps leading to entrance— carpet down for ground 
and walk, front of entrance and leading to gate, 4th groove; — 
beds of flowers on either side of walk. 

Fourth groove, wall or iron fence extending from R. and from 
L. toward center, leaving entrance same width as the walk; — 
walls or fence covered with creepers and flowers; — at base of 
wall or fence, beds of flowers. 

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groove wings both R. and L., tree 
borders — same grooves, foliage drops; — and sky drop for 6th 
groove — Moonlight effect. 

Note: — The above scenery may be simplified; any garden 
scene will answer the purpose. If castle drop be missing, one 
representing a park, or garden will do. The style of architecture 
should be that of the old English fashion, throughout. 



PERSONAGES. 

Edward, King of England. 

Alfred, Edward's younger brother. 

Godwin, Count of Kent. 

Leofric, Count of Leicester. 

Seward, Count of Northumberland. 

Harold, "\ 

William, I Lords, friends of Edward. 

Oswaldus, ) 

Oswin, Son of Seward. 

Sweyn, Confidant of Godwin. 

Redwald, Servant of Godwin. 

Synewulf, ) A 

~ v Assassins. 

Ceowulf, j 

Lords, Soldiers, Servants, etc., etc 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; 

OR, 

SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 



Act I. 

Scene — Castle grounds — Castle visible; benches — rustic seats, etc. 

Enter Godwin — Sweyn. 

Godwin, (looks about cautiously) They must die, Sweyn; 
they must die ! 

Sweyn. But my lord, what evil have they done? 

Godwin. None; both are as innocent as doves; still they 
must die. 

Sweyn. Since both are innocent, why, may I ask, noble Count 
of Kent, why stain our hands in innocent blood? 

Godwin. Because the interests of the kingdom require it; 
that of the royal family, my interests and thine, Sweyn. What 
more dost thou wish? They must die, dost thou hear? They 
must die. 

Sweyn. I see no reason why thou shouldst fear these in- 
offensive children. They are still in the flower of their age; 
Besides, are they not entire strangers to the country? 

Godwin. Is it possible, Sweyn, that thou dost not foresee 
that some reverse of fortune may occur. The King Hardicanute 
is dying, and to-morrow we may mourn over his ashes. The only 
heir to the throne is a child of eight years, the young Suenon; 
and he like the reigning king is of Danish blood. Dost thou 
ignore that the Bretons, the Angles, and the Saxons, in a word, 
nine-tenths of the entire population of England have always 
borne the Danish yoke with displeasure? The grandeur and power 
of the reign of Canute the Great, succeeded for a time to subdue 
their discontent, but since the succession of Harold and Hardi- 
canute to the throne, the people seem to harbor in their hearts 
hopes which are dangerous to the Danish dynasty, and which 
they dare not openly avow — Dost thou understand my thoughts? 

Sweyn. No my lord — I understand them not. 



6 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR J OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Godwin. Can it be that thou art so shortsighted in this affair? 
Edward and Alfred who are expected to-day are the sons of 
Ethelred, who, you know, was the well beloved ruler of the 
ancients. Edward is the natural heir to the crown of England, 
and the chief of the national dynasty so dear to the heart of every 
true Saxon; and but for the Danish conquest he would, to-day, 
reign over Breton. The people know this; the whole population 
say this, and England weeps over her loss — Dost thou under- 
stand me now? 

Sweyn. This I understand my lord; thou fearest lest, before 
the death of Hardicanute, the nation, by a natural rebellion, 
overlook young Suenon, and place the crown on the head of 
Edward. 

Godwin. Yes, Sweyn, thou hast said it; I fear the people, I 
fear the great land; but above all, I fear the counts of Leicester 
and Northumberland, Leofric and Seward. 

Sweyn. But my lord thou surprisest me; thou art of Saxon 
blood, and I could never believe that thou wouldst never desire 
the re-establishment of the ancient dynasty. Would it not be 
an honor for our race, and a glory for our country? 

Godwin. Oh, these are ideas such as poets and dreamers 
foster! The practical man knows no other motive in his actions, 
than personal interests. It is my interest that Danish blood 
continue to reign in England. When Canute the Great died, his 
confidence in me procured my nomination as tutor of young 
Harold. Two years later I became by the death of Harold the 
tutor of Hardicanute; and soon I hope to be tutor of Suenon. 
Thus my power in England continues. In the name of these 
emblems of Kings 'tis Godwin who governs. Tis Godwin 
that reigns. Thinkest thou that I am ready to forego all these 
advantages? If Edward ascend the throne, my precedence at the 
Panish courts will immediately cause them to suspect me, and 
who can tell what might follow. No, Sweyn, we must know how 
to prevent the danger. They must die. 

Sweyn. But, my lord, could'st thou not insure thy safety 
without having recourse to such cruel extremities. Does not the 
Queen Emma favor her beloved son, Prince Suenon, with all her 
power? The Queen is in your favor. 

Godwin. I do not trust the Queen. Emma is weak, vain 
and inconstant, No, No, Sweyn, she is not to be relied upon. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 7 

There is but one means, they must die. This is my only means 
of security. Think of it, Sweyn, it is also to thine interest that 
they die, and die to-night, they must. 

Sweyn. And the odiousness of such crime will fall upon thy 
head and mine. 

Godwin. Who shall know it? Will the darkness of night 
reveal that which has been enshrouded in its somber security? 
Will the stony walls of this castle be gifted with a tongue to 
relate that which has been accomplished in silence and in secret? 
Thou hast nothing to fear, my dear Sweyn. I have thought over 
this affair quite seriously. I have left nothing to the incertitudes 
of hazard. Redwald, our faithful Redwald, has received orders 
to escort Edward and Alfred to this place. To-night when the 
shades of darkness shall have enveloped the city, he will introduce 
them secretly into the castle, and deliver them into thy hands, 
and then, when all will be silent, and at rest, sure and discrete 
hands will lower them to the earth, and the mute tombs will 
enclose their insensible corpses forever. 

Sweyn. But Queen Emma will surely inquire about her sons. 
Many know that the princes are on their way to Winchester. 

Godwin. My dear Sweyn, all this has been foreseen. Queen 
Emma is still at her summer castle. She does not expect her 
sons before eight days. I know well that they will be missed, 
but who can say that I or thou art the cause of it. Moreover, the 
King Hardicanute shall be dead. What can prevent us from 
prudently turning the tide of suspicion on his memory? He will 
not leave the tomb to justify himself. Think not, dear Sweyn, 
that during my thirty years sojourn amongst kings, breathing the 
mighty atmosphere of the court, I have learned nothing in this 
cunning school of duplicity. Of course thou understandest well 
that I cannot openly appear in this affair. I must stand aloof, 
to prevent all suspicion. I will shed tears over the sad lot of 
these young and unfortunate princes, and order minute researches 
to be made for the infamous murderers, but thou hast nothing 
to fear, my dear Sweyn, I will protect thee under the mantle of my 
power. Now, Sweyn, I rely on thy usual prudence and intelli- 
gence in this business. Remember, if thou succeed, thou shalt be 
liberally rewarded, if the affair fail, 'tis exile for me, and death 
for thee. Be a man Sweyn as thou always art. 
; Sweyn. My Lord, since there is no alternative, I am ready. 



O EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Godwin. Good ! Good ! by these words, thou art truly Sweyn. 

Sweyn. What must be done? 

Godwin. The princes arrive this evening, and thou shalt re- 
ceive them in the eastern room of the castle. Let no one see 
them. They will rest in the adjoining room, and the parlor will 
be at their disposal. Now listen well Sweyn, shortly before mid- 
night, men of action will be there. Thou wilt give them instruc- 
tions, and at midnight, all must be over. Then for years to come 
shall I, GODWIN, without fear nor rival, be ruler of England 
and thou shalt be second man of the kingdom. Dost thou under- 
stand ? 

Sweyn. My lord, thy orders shall be executed to the letter. 

Godwin. Thou art a man of heart, Sweyn. Be prudent, be 
courageous, but above all, be prompt. I will assist thee in the 
good work, though I must do so secretly. Good evening my dear 
Sweyn — Good evening. (exit) 

Sweyn. (alone, looking after him) My dear Sweyn — dear 
Sweyn — Ah, I know, villain how thou lovest me. I know thy 
tenderness, hypocrite! From the bottom of thy black heart thou 
designest upon me. Thou usest me as a vile instrument in the 
working out thy base and cowardly crimes, and when I shall 
no longer be of any use to thy perversity, thou wilt cast me 
aside as a useless tool. Thou lovest but the pomp and greatness 
of kingly grandeur. Thou esteemest but thy power; ambition 
devours thee. Thou art a man without feeling, a demon in 
human form ; in whose breast, beats not a heart of flesh and bloocf, 
but a viper, whose every movement, is a sting of deadly guile. 
(Hears noise) Ah! who comes here? Leofric? Seward? (enter 
Leofric and Seward) All hail to our noble counts of Leicester 
and Northumberland? What service might I have the pleasure 
of rendering to my lords ? 

Leofric. The news is spread far and wide, that the king is on 
his death-bed, and it is our duty to see him a last time before 
he dies. Have we come too late? 

Sweyn. The king is still alive, but in very low condition 
The physicians say he will not see to-morrow's sun. 

Seward. So ! we desire most ardently to see him. Dost thou 
think he will receive us? 

Sweyn. He never receives visitors at midday. Still he may 
make an exception to this general rule for your lordships. Be 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 9 

seated, and I will inquire if the noble counts Leofric and Seward 
may be introduced to his majesty's presence. (exit) 

Seward. Count of Leicester, England is very ill. She also 
has her bed of suffering. Mourning and sorrow cover the land. 

Leofric. What meanest thou, thane of Northumberland? 

Seward. Ah, Leofric, call me not thane. It is a Danish title, 
which is odious to my ears. Call me by the Saxon title. Say 
earl or count, but never thane. 

Leofric. Well, then, count of Northumberland, explain thy 
meaning. 

Seward. I mean to say that Briton sighs under a domination, 
without glory, and without honor. 

Leofric Rather say under the tryanny of a degenerated 
Saxon. Under the rule of a traitor, a usurper, under a Godwin. 

Seward. True, Hardicanute reigns, but it is Godwin that 
governs; and to make matters worse, at the king's death, we find 
at our head a child of eight years, which means, a continuation 
of Godwin's reign of tyranny. How unfortunate for us that 
England should be abandoned as a prey to those who hate us. 
The people are crushed under the weight of heavy taxes. 

Leofric Ah, Seward — would that those happy days of yore 
came back to England. Would that that royal family of our 
own Saxon blood could return, with her pious kings who were 
not only faithful rulers, but even fathers of the people. 

Seward. Let us hope, Leofric, that our noble princes, Edward 
and Alfred, may escape the danger which must inevitably follow 
them during their intended visit, and that heaven may provide 
means to restore them to the throne of their ancestors. 

Leofric Yes, yes my lord, and if occasion present itself, let 
us not hesitate to offer the tribute of our courage, and the 
strength of our vows and of our words. 

Sweyn. (enter) Pardon me my lords, the king is extremely 
weak, and orders are given that no visitors shall be admitted. 

Leofric And when may we return? 

Sweyn. Towards evening. At five o'clock the good bishop 
Brithowald will come to administer to him the last rites of Holy 
Church. You may both enter with him. 

(exit Leofric and Seward.) 

Sweyn. (looking after them) Go noble lords. To see and 
hear you, convinces me of your real worth. You are the true nobles 



10 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

of the kingdom. How happy must be your subjects. Your 
hands and hearts are not stained with the damnable intrigues of 
iniquity. Ah, Godwin, powerful Godwin, to what littleness thou 
art reduced when compared with these great nobles of the land. 
Cursed be the day I united my lot with yours. But why could I 
not quit this life of iniquity and torment — why not return to my 
life of former days to some peaceful retreat in the solitary 
country. Oh, for the tranquil evenings spent at the family hearth ! 
where life becomes a charm, and conscience finds repose? Alas, 
this is impossible. 'Tis too late. Godwin, thou hast bound me 
in thy infernal net, as the hunter does to his imprudent prey. 
And in return! Alas the constant fear of prison, and of death 
haunts me, at every step. Ah, but what am I saying! Am I a 
fool? Courage my heart, the cup is filled, it must be drunk to 
the dregs. 

Enter Ceozvulf and Synewulf. 

Sweyn. Who are you? 

Ceowulf. Malefactors, my lord. 

Synewulf. Murderers. 

Sweyn. Whence come you? 

Ceowulf. From an obscure grotto on the mountain side. 

Synewulf. From the jaws of hell. 

Sweyn. Who has sent you here? 

Ceowulf. One more wicked than thou, my lord. 

Synewulf. A damned soul, which you know better than we. 

Sweyn. Are you able to execute an infernal act, such as 
only Satan himself could accomplish? 

Ceowulf. Oh, yes, my lord, if we are well paid for the work. 

Synewulf. If the recompense is in keeping with the deed. 

Sweyn. I will give a pound of gold to each of you. 

Ceowulf. Good ! what is to be done ? 

Sweyn. (hesitating) Murder two children. 

Synewulf. Oh, that is a mere trifle. Where shall we find 
them. 

Sweyn. At the eastern room in the castle at midnight. You 
will enter by the door in the rear of the garden. Remember, at 
midnight. 

Ceowulf. And what after. 

Sweyn. Come without noise to that apartment, and you will 
find in the adjoining room two youths. Use your poignards 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. II 

surely, but above all, quickly. Let not a sound be heard, n& 
moan, not even a murmur. 

Ceowulf. And the bodies, what shall be done with them? 

Sweyn. You will find stairs to the left of the corridor which 
lead to the basement of the castle. There a grave is dug, lay 
the corpses in this and cover them all. 

Ceowulf. And the reward? 

Sweyn. You shall have it when the deed is done. 

Synewulf. Well said, 'tis just. 

Sweyn. At midnight, remember. If you act quickly, and 
with precision, your recompense will be double. 

Ceowulf. The devil himself is not more generous my lord. 

Synewulf. Satan is not greater. 

(exit Ceowulf and Synewulf.) 

Sweyn. (alone) What incarnate demons! Did ever men 
speak of murder as did these scoundrels. Crime seems to have 
been their habitual atmosphere. But say, which of us is the 
worst, he who plots crime, or he who commits it? Which is the 
more culpable, the hand which strikes, or the hand that orders 
the stroke. Godwin ! Godwin, thou art more infamous than both 
these wretches, Sweyn, thy soul is blacker than the souls of these 
two murderers. Oh! my head! my head! away dismal thoughts, 
away hideous cries of conscience. Conscience, Ha ! ha ! ha ! what 
is conscience? — away with conscience — Oh, God, I am becoming 
an abomination, even to myself. — (falls on chair) 

Curtain. 



12 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

ACT II. 

Scene — Room in Castle — well furnished. 
(Enter Leofric, Seward and other Lords with attendants and 
pages.) 

Seward. We have arrived at least half an hour before the 
time appointed, my lords, let us hope not to be disappointed this 
time. 

Leofric. The good bishop, Brithowald, will come and join 
lis soon. I am anxious to see him. 

Oswaldus. He is a friend of thy youth? 

Leofric. We studied together in our youth; again we were 
together at the court of Ethelred. 

Seward. They say he is a great servant of God. 

Leofric. He is a saint, Seward, a true saint, a man of retreat, 
silence, mortification, and prayer. His virtues have won for him 
the confidence of the Danish court. Still, he has never been 
known to flatter with vain complaisance, the power of our new 
masters, he has remained frankly and sincerely a Briton. It was 
he, who poured the waters of baptism on the head of Edward. 

Harold. By the way, Leofric, hast thou heard the rumor 
that the Saxon princes, Edward and Alfred, will shortly visit 
Winchester. 

Leofric. Yes, and moreover, I am secretly assured that they 
have already embarked at Dover. 

Seward. What signifies that secret? What thinkest thou of 
such news? In the castle, we see no preparations made for their 
reception. 

Leofric. The sickness of the king, and the mourning of the 
courtiers, may in part explain this strange indifference. 

William. Yes, but the Qu<:en is still at her country villa, 
taking baths at the seaside. If the news be true, it seems to me 
that her place would be here to receive her children. But, 
stranger than all, explain why the Queen is not at the bedside 
of her dying son, to receive his last words and sighs. What dost 
thou say to all this, Count of Leicester? 

Leofric. In truth it is very mysterious. 

Oswaldus. Godwin is able to do anything to gain his end. 

Leofric. My lords, it may be that Providence has sent us 
here to be of service to those we love. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 1$ 

Seward. God will it! For my part, you cannot believe how 
happy I would be to meet our young princes while I am at Win- 
chester. I never had the happiness of seeing them. I was too 
young to associate with people of the court when the Danish in- 
vasion took place on our English shore. But, venerable count, 
thou knowest these sons of our King? 

Leofric. Yes, most assuredly I know them. I held them over 
the baptismal font. I rocked them in their infancy, and protected 
them in their flight. Two years after, I had the happiness of 
seeing them again, and the memory of that visit revives in me 
the ardor of my youth, and makes me despise the slowness and 
fatigues of old age. I yearn to see them again, and once more 
press them to my heart, before I die. 

Oswaldus. How have they turned out? 

Leofric. Perfect gentlemen, beautiful in body, bright in intel- 
lect, and noble of heart. Edward, above all, is distinguished by a 
pleasing majestic appearance, and an imposing air of distinction. 
He is the king. 

William. Yes, yes, he is the king of the faithful Britons, he 
is the king of the Saxons, he is our king. Without doubt, Richard 
of Normandy has given his nephews an education worthy of 
their birth? 

Leofric. A princely and royal education. During the three 
months that I stayed at the court of Rouen, I learned to admire 
and love the spirit of chivalry, and the angelic piety of our 
young Saxon princes. Edward, above all, edified me by the 
eminence of his virtue. He has learned to preserve his inno- 
cence against the despoiling examples of the society of the great. 
Purity shines on his forehead, and in his looks. He loves to 
frequent churches, and passes in them entire hours with the 
greatest delight. 

Seward. What serious tastes in a young man of eighteen. 

Leofric. In fact, his wisdom and gravity are above his years. 
He is distinguished by an admirable meekness, a profound humil- 
ity, and a charity which embraces all men. He has a horror of 
ambition and he hates flattery. 

Harold. It is a David or a Solomon that God has reserved 
to cause his Holy law to flourish in our turbulent times. 



14 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Leofric. Oh, how happy would England be if she could see 
such a prince ascend the throne of his ancestors, and rule over 
her destinies, (looks left) Silence! Sweyn comes, (enter Sweyn.) 

Sweyn. My lords, it is time to enter, his Lordship has arrived. 

Leofric. Many thanks my good Sweyn, may the peace of God 
be with you. (exit Leofric and Seward.) 

Sweyn. (alone, looking after them) Peace, peace, (up stage.) 
there is no longer any peace for my guilty soul, I know but 
tortures, troubles, fears, agitations, and remorse — Alas! When 
once we step on the incline of vice, a first step leads us to a 
second, a second to a third, and thus it is till the bottom of the 
abyss has been reached — I have consented to be an instrument in 
the rascality of Godwin. First step : I have given to the murderers 
their infernal instructions. Second step: In an instant, in face 
of the victims I shall assume the garb of a hypocrite, preparing 
in secret the stroke that will cut them off in the flower of their 
age, and at midnight the bottom of the gulf shall be reached, and 
hell itself shall cry in terror. The young princes will be struck 
within the walls of this very palace. In an instant : Oh ! infernal 
suffering. (enter Page.) 

Page. My lord, Redwald is without and wishes to speak to 
thee, with him are two strangers. 

Sweyn. Show them to this room immediately. (exit Page) 
I must hide my poignard, I must have upon my lips but smiling 
words. Ah, Godwin! infernal serpent! — Oh, how hard it is to 
be the tool of a murderer. But here are the princes. 

(Edward and Alfred enter conducted by Redwald.) 

Sweyn. Honor to your highnesses, my lords. You are 
without doubt the princes of Normandy, who are expected this 
evening. 

Edward. Yes, my lord. May we see our mother ? 

Sweyn. Redwald, we wish to be alone, (exit Redwald) 
What do your highnesses desire ? 

Edward. We desire to see our mother, the Queen. 

Sweyn. Queen Emma, is not at Winchester, she is in the 
country. 

Edward. We would be pleased to see our brother, King 
Hardicanute. 

Sweyn. The king at this hour has returned to his apart- 
ments, he has given orders to allow no person to enter. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 15 

Edward. Then, may we see the regent of the kingdom, the 
powerful and noble Count of Kent? 

Sweyn. The Count of Kent is seriously occupied. He cannot 
be seen to-day. 

Edward. We may then see no one ? 

Sweyn. Not this evening. 

Alfred. This is quite incomprehensible. 

Sweyn. My honored princes, these shall be your apartments, 
this room will be at your disposal, and the adjoining room is a 
bedroom, in which you will find all that is necessary for the 
night's repose. You will pardon me an instant, my noble princes, 
while I give orders to bring your supper here. (exit Sweyn.) 

Alfred. What a reception; oh, my brother, what a reception. 
Truly this is a pleasing arrival in the castle of our mother. 
What sayest thou, Edward. There is crime in the air; every- 
where on our passage we have met but hateful faces and hearts of 
marble. 

Edward. This servant, however, endeavors to treat us with 
politeness. 

Alfred. Yes, but did you not remark, Edward, that his words 
were short and few? And how cold they fell upon my poor 
heart, as so many weights of lead; his eye dared not meet 
ours: one would say, that in the depth of his soul, a bad or 
murderous design was holding sway. 

Edward. My dear Alfred, be calm, give no heed to these 
evil apprehensions. Permit not thyself to go to such extremities 
in thy sorrow. 

Alfred. We reckoned on a cordial welcome, on a reception 
full of tenderness and affection ; we expected to be awaited with 
open arms and with true transports of joy and happiness. It 
was very natural that it should be thus, after so many years 
of separation, after the pains and fatigues of such a journey. 
And behold, our mother is absent, our brother is hidden from us 
and Godwin is declared invisible. Is it not evident that all this 
has been done to ignore our presence? Everywhere we find 
ourselves in silence, coldness, indifference and solitude. My 
brother, doubt not, there is crime lurking in the air. 

Edward. For the love of heaven, Alfred, be palm. 

Alfred. Are these apartments appropriate f^r noble princes? 
A miserable parlor, and beyond a small room where a ray of 



l6 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

light seldom enters, a bed for two persons with very poor furni- 
ture. In all sincerity, is this the way to receive distinguished 
guests? The sons of the Queen of England, brothers of the 
reigning king? Why are we not admitted in the royal banquet 
hall? Why are we not allowed to take our meals in company 
with the lords of the court? Why do they bring our repasts 
here, as to criminals and prisoners? Are we in the castle of our 
mother, or in the dungeon of a traitor? What sayest thou, my 
brother? 

Edward. I say that sorrow agitates thy mind, and thou dost 
exaggerate the horrors of our position. 

Alfred. Edward, dissimulate no longer, why harbor in the 
secrets of our hearts those thoughts which, since many days, 
excite both of us? Why do we not openly say what we secretly 
think. We are surrounded by traitors; treason hangs over our 
heads everywhere. 

Edward. Be not so excited Alfred, do not speak with 
accents so strong and violent. These very walls may have eyes 
to see our very movements, and ears to understand our words. 

Alfred. Ah, thou thyself, dear brother, feelest that we are not 
free in this place. We have been prisoners since we have landed 
on England's shore. We fell into the hands and the pretended 
protection of Redwald. He did not leave us for a single moment. 
On approaching Winchester, to our great surprise, there came no 
message from the king, and no letter from our mother, the 
Queen. They introduced us into the interior of the castle, with 
the greatest secrecy, we see no friendly look, and hear no word 
of welcome. And now alone we are confined within the four 
dark walls of this black room, as between the four boards of a 
coffin. That coldness crushes me, Edward, the atmosphere seems 
charged with mystery. I breathe with difficulty. — I am suffocat- 
ing — Edward. 

Edward, (aside) Alas, the child is not mistaken, but what use 
is there in augmenting his fears, (aloud) Alfred, I agree with 
you that we might have expected a different reception, still I do 
not think it prudent to abandon ourselves to such painful sus- 
picions and excessive fears. In the midst of these people of the 
north, surrounded by Danish customs and manners, we cannot 
expect politeness, delicate attention and polished manners as of 
the court of Normandy and of France. Let us await with patience 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 1 7 

out good mother's return, the night may drive away these dark 
clouds of doubt and uneasiness, and the brilliant sun of to-mor- 
row will bring hope and confidence, and joy. What interest 
would they have in persecuting us ? 

Alfred. What interest? Edward, thy mind, so clear, has 
already answered a similar question. Are we not the sons of 
Ethelred. Art thou not the natural and presumptive heir to the 
throne ? More than one might be interested in your disappearance. 
I know Edward, it is thy great charity which causes thee to for- 
give the dishonest conduct of our persecutors. It is thy fraternal 
love, which has found such a plausible means to calm our 
inquietudes. I thank thee most cordially for thy good intentions, 
still thou canst not convince me that we are not fallen into the 
snares of treason, or some hellish plot. 

Edward. Well, well, Alfred, let us be reasonable. Thou hast 
always accorded to my desires, be calm and confident, despair can 
bring no remedy for the evils of our situation. 

Alfred. Let us fly from this prison, Edward; let us quit this 
dungeon and return to liberty. 

Edward. But where shall we go? 

Alfred. It matters little where — in the solitude of the desert, 
in the depth of the woods, in the peasant's cottage, in any place we 
would be in greater security than here. 

Edward. We cannot hide ourselves from our enemies. More- 
over, would you cause uneasiness to our friends in Normandy. 

Alfred. Let us go to Dover, take passage aboard any boat 
sailing for the continent. 

Edward. It is impossible Alfred, be assured that all these 
routes are guarded. 

Alfred. Then let us fly to the house of counts Seward and 
Leofric, they always told us that they were faithful and devoted 
friends of the family. 

Edward. Also impossible, Leofric and Seward dwell very far 
from Winchester. If what you apprehend be true, there is no 
doubt the entrances of the castle are well guarded. We would 
be arrested in our flight, we would thus excite the animosity of 
our enemies, and furnish them with a pretext to justify their 
perverse intentions. 

Alfred. Oh, my God, what shall we do? On every side I 
eee but frightful dangers, my God ; my God, protect us. 



l8 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Edward. Yes, my dear brother, in this difficult situation, God 
is our only help, our only refuge. Let us throw ourselves with 
confidence into the hands of His mercy. He is the Father of 
the Orphan. He knows how to bridle the fury of the wicked, 
everything that happens through the hands of His goodness is 
calculated for our greater good. He has not abandoned us so 
far, why then to-day do we doubt His ineffable love and His pro- 
tection. Come let us retire for a short time to that room and 
with all the fervor of our souls, submit to our celestial Father 
the object of our pains and the perils of our present situation. 

Alfred. You are right Edward, let us go and pray; prayer 
will lighten the weight that rests on my poor afflicted heart. 

Curtain. 

End of Act Second. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 10, 

ACT III. 

Edward and Alfred. 

Scene — Room in the Castle, same as Act II — Alfred sitting on 
lounge to R., Edward beside him. 

Alfred. I feel much better now ; my soul is calm ; prayer has 
soothed my bleeding heart. 

Edward. Yes, dear brother, prayer is a supernatural and 
divine balm, capable of relieving the acutest sorrows and of 
healing the deepest wounds. 

Alfred. In the midst of my transports of excitement, and in 
the impossibility of saying anything else, I simply repeated the 
sweet name of our Lord, and each time it seemed to me that I 
breathed more easily. Truly, it was as if I had lifted a great 
weight off my soul. 

Edward. The name of the Lord, as you see, is all-powerful. 
At this name every knee in heaven, upon earth, and under the 
earth must bend. — Let us not seek our happiness here below in 
any other name. Its sound is sweet melody to the ear, and 
jubilation to the heart; and Its sweetness equals Its power. 

Alfred. Thanks, my brother, thanks, your words do me good. 
They fall on my soul like the gentle morning dew on the withered 
flowers. 

Edward. It is getting late Alfred — we must think of retiring 
for the night. 

Alfred. Yes, yes, very soon. It is really extraordinary how 
I dread sleep to-night. Let us converse yet a while. At this 
hour, Edward, what, thinkest thou, our cousins are doing in 
Normandy. 

Edward. They are united without doubt, in the large hall, 
around the blazing hearth, taking their evening recreation. 

Alfred. Oh! yes, I see them ranged in a restful semi-circle 
around our uncle Richard, so good, so pleasing. They believe us 
happy here, embraced by motherly tenderness, surrounded by all 
the glitters of the court, and passing agreeable, pleasant hours in 
distractions and rejoicings unceasingly renewed. Oh, cruel 
derision, they have not the faintest thought that we are prisoners, 
between four somber walls, watching alone in this pale flickering 



20 EDWARD THE C0NFESS0RJ OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

light. Oh, Edward! it is sorrowful, it is strangely sorrowful. 
{covers face with hands and bursts into tears.) 

Edward, (with tenderness) My brother, place thy confidence 
in God. Better days are awaiting us. 

Alfred. Better days are awaiting us? Better days? Wilt 
thou permit me to communicate to thee a thought which haunts 
me for sometime, and which I dared not tell to thee ? 

Edward. Speak, my brother, I will listen to thee. 

Alfred. Since the vessel landed us on the shores of England, 
hast thou not thought, Edward, that we are in the rightful pos- 
sessions of our father, and that thou art the legitimate heir to 
this kingdom? 

Edward. That thought sometimes comes to my mind, but I 
never allow myself to dwell upon it. 

Alfred. Why? brother. 

Edward. Ambition exercises no power on my heart, Alfred. 

Alfred. Just think of it, Edward. It should be very pleasing 
to be at the head of a great people. 

Edward. There is in such happiness more deception than 
reality. Royalty carries with it duties of great responsibilities 
and incessant cares. The vicious air of the court is contrary to 
the development of virtue. Vice is here represented under a 
thousand different seductive forms, and on every side are 
obstacles to faith and good morals. We have every reason to 
thank God that we have spent our youthful days away from the 
court. Happy is the man who knows how to live happily and 
contented in a humble private position. By these means he can 
aspire to a heavenly throne. 

Alfred. I often heard it said that thy modesty and modera- 
tion rendered thee worthy of the throne, Edward. 

Edward. Well, well, thou art allowing your imagination full 
play. Let us go to our room and take the rest we so badly need. 
May thy sleep be all of happy dreams, (aside) On the contrary, 
I fear, Alfred, horrible dreams, Alfred, I feel the weight of this 
sorrowful day; my mind figures murder, treason, poison, and 
blood. 

Alfred. Let us go. May God protect and watch over us. 
[(Exeunt, entering their room, Sweyn enters softly.) 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR J OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 21 

Scene II. 

Sweyn. (alone) Yes, may God protect you; may he watch 
over you — Poor innocent victims — You are destined, never more 
to leave that room alive. The murderer's hand shall send you to 
a better world. Your corpses will pass from here to the cold, 
damp grave. But your souls, immaculate and pure, shall fly 
towards the abode of God. Behind that secret window, I heard 
their tender conversation. Can there be found nobler sentiments, 
more generous ideas, intellects more elevated, and hearts more 
loving? Ah! it requires one as wicked as thou, Godwin, to 
attack (lightning through the window) these inoffensive 
creatures. What a storm (looks through window). Nature 
herself seems in desolation. Roll on, ye thunders of the clouds, 
flash on, thou lightning of the firmament. Strike the earth with 
your inflammable bolts ! Blow on, ye winds, and lay desolation in 
your trail. Oh! all you mad elements, unite your forces to raze 
this accursed castle from the earth, for, in an instant, under 
its very roof, shall be committed the foulest deed that ever 
stained the pages of history. Poor princes, you sleep calm and 
tranquil on the verge of the tomb. I am sworn to destroy you, 
and yet, I esteem you — I admire you ; ay, I love you : Yes, yes, 
live, live. Why not open the cage, and the birds will fly away? 
Why cannot I fly with them into Normandy? No, It is too late. 
The assassins who shall be here in a moment would give the 
alarm : Godwin arrest us, and it would be my death ! But is not 
death preferable to this miserable existence devoured by remorse, 
and despair? No! no! I do not wish to die. It is too terrible 
to fall into the hands of an avenging God. I love you, young 
princes, but I love better my life. Roll on, oh, thunders ! burst, ye 
bolts of heaven! and lightning flash, rage, oh, tempest! in vain 
will you rival the tempest of my soul. Oh ! my God ! I am falling 
into the abyss of despair. Save me! Oh, save the princes! 
(Murderers appear) Alas, the die is cast. 'Tis too late. Here 
come those demons in human form. (Ceowulf and Synewulf 
enter) — Ah, you are come. 

Ceowulf. 'Tis midnight. 

Synewulf. We are always faithful to our promises. 

Ceowulf. Do we strike immediately? 

Sweyn. (going in haste to the door) No, delay a moment! 
I will go to the castle cellar. It is there you shall carry the 



22 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

bodies. All the doors shall be open. Strike — quickly, and strong; 
above all let not a single moan escape the victims. (exit) 

Ceowulf. (looking after him — Storm continues) Go! — be at 
ease, my lord. 

Synewulf. Fear nothing, our hands are steady and sure. 
(looking after him.) 

Ceowulf. (looking out through the window) What a beauti- 
ful night, Synewulf, for men of our profession. 

Synewulf. It is a night as made to order ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Ceowulf. It is really fine, the wind twists and tears the trees 
from the mountain side. 

Synewulf. The rain comes down in torrents through the 
rocks. 

Ceowulf. A thunderbolt passed my head, as we entered the 
castle, and nearly crushed me to the earth. 

Synewulf. Two feet from me the lightning struck a knotted 
oak. 

Ceowulf. The serpentine lightning plows the heavy clouds. 

Synewulf. What a beautiful night! 

Ceowulf. Men tremble and hide themselves; we have full 
sway in such a weather. The wolf leaves the woods; bears quit 
their dens, for they can in all security devour the timid lambs. 
Ha! ha! ha! ha!. 

Synewulf. Still, I have a presentiment that we will not suc- 
ceed to-night. 

Ceowulf. Ah ! a presentiment ? 

Synewulf. This evening an owl, flying through the raging 
storm, did not cease screeching in piercing tones. 

Ceowulf. Bah, bah? Leave these omens to the fearful. Let 
us defy the wind and the storm. Thou wilt see, that in our 
hands, these children will pass from this life as easily as timid 
doves (bell strikes twelve) Comrade, the time of action has come; 
midnight strikes in the Cathedral tower. I will remain at the 
door; go in and see if the princes are asleep. If they are awake, 
tell them that you were sent there by Sweyn. If they want 
anything, then we shall put off the stroke to a later hour (Syne- 
wulf enters in the room). A raven, an owl screeching; a bad 
omen. Still I will not let these things frighten me. (Synewulf 
returns.) 

Synewulf. They sleep; oh, friend, what a sorrowful sight. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 23 

Ceowulf. What now, thou appearest overcome. 

Synewulf. They sleep, their white innocent faces calm as 
children in the cradle. The feeble light of the candle seems to 
surround them with a halo of glory. They hold each other by 
the hand, and the head of the younger rests on the breast of the 
other. The sweet smile on their lips seems to say that these are 
not victims intended for the slaughter. Go thyself, and see the 
touching spectacle. 

Ceowulf. What! Is thy courage leaving thee? Art thou 
decided not to strike? 

Synewulf. Yes, if thou wishest, Ceowulf? 

Ceowulf. Has thy courage already given way? 

Synewulf. The tiger sometimes respects its prey, and spares 
its victims. 

Ceowulf. And the pound of gold? 

Synewulf. Pshaw, gold, gold; we have enough of gold. 
We can earn it in a thousand other circumstances. 

Ceowulf. See here Synewulf, I no longer know thee. Art 
thou not ashamed of thyself. Thou speakest like a timid fool. 

Synewulf. (angrily) My arm, Ceowulf, is always good and 
ready, but for this time I must confess I would prefer 

Ceowulf. Here, here, courage, to work. Strike the younger. 
Place one hand on the mouth and with the other drive the dagger 
through the heart. Come! (they enter; immediately cries of 
"murder" are heard, then deep moaning, the two assassins rush 
upon the scene). 

Ceowulf. Thou coward! a curse on thee; the stroke is 
missed. 

Synewulf. Let us fly, quick, let us fly! 

Ceowulf. Mine has received a mortal wound, what hast thou 
done wretch? 

Synewulf. My hand trembled, my strength left me. 

Ceowulf. Now if we are caught, thou wilt be to blame. 

Synewulf. Cruel demon; say rather it is thy fault! why 
didst thou not obey my counsel ? 

Ceowulf. Counsels of a cowardly fool, let us go. In the 
grotto we shall settle this affair. 

Synewulf. No, here if thou wish. (Ceowulf and Synewulf 
go out. Edward and Alfred appear. Alfred holds a sword in 
his hand.) 



24 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Alfred. Where are you, cowardly assassins? Where are you? 
Ah ! if I could only find you. 

Edward. Stop my brother ! 

Alfred. You choose for your time of attack the darkness of 
night — you hid in the shades, you cowards. 

Edward. My brother Alfred ! 

Alfred. You waited until we were buried in the arms of 
slumber. I repeat it; you are cowards. 

Edward. My dear brother, see how thou stagger'st, thou art 
wounded, thou art wounded. 

Alfred. I am wounded? ah, truly. Art thou also wounded, 
brother. 

Edward. No. 

Alfred. God's will be blessed. 

Edward. I was awake in time to prevent the blow through 
my heart. 

Alfred. It is thy life they seek above all, be assured, my 
brother. 

Edward. Alfred, take a seat, and let me wipe away the blood 
which flows from thy wound. 

Alfred. Oh, it is nothing, it is nothing, only a slight wound. 
I feel no pain. 

Edward. Permit me to examine. Thou must not wait too 
long before having it bandaged. 

Alfred. I told thee that treason hangs over our heads. 

Edward. Alas, it is too true. My dear brother, pardon, 
pardon, if I hurt you. You must be seated, (he takes him by the 
hand.) 

Alfred. I obey, I obey. Oh, how weak I am, my sight be- 
comes dim — objects are fading away — I see nothing. Brother, 
where art thou? 

Edward. Here at thy side, be not afraid ; I will not leave thee. 

Alfred. I am becoming weak! — I am going! — Oh! — My 
brother ! — (faints.) 

Edward, (zvipes away the blood) Poor brother, how pale — 
he has lost so much blood. He rests! — Thank my God! That 
rest will tranquilize his agitated mind — the wound is so deep. 
The assassins aimed at his heart. If there were only some one 
here to dress his wound. Oh, my guardian angel, be thou my help 
in this hour of need, (he then kisses him) Rest in peace dear 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 2$ 

Alfred, I would I were in thy place (places a damp handkerchief 
about his head). Who knows but the assassins are in the adjoin- 
ing room awaiting an occasion to renew their attack? Dear 
friends in Normandy, what would you say if you saw us thus ! 

Alfred, (awaking) Edward, Edward! where art thou? 

Edward. Here, here, my brother, near thee. 

Alfred. Edward what is the meaning of this. What are 
these walls — where are we? 

Edward. In our little parlor near our bedroom. 

Alfred. Oh, yes, it is true, I am ill, Edward. What is the 
meaning of these things. 

Edward. It is a bandage, my brother. 

Alfred. Who made this wound? 

Edward. A bad man. Dost thou not remember? 

Alfred. Oh, yes, yes, I remember. Where is uncle Richard? 

Edward, (distracted) In his room. It is late, near mid- 
night. Try to sleep, Alfred that will do thee good. — (silence) 

Alfred. We shall go soon to see our mother — Emma? Oh, 
what happiness! (starts) What is the meaning of those daggers? 

Edward. Thou art feverish. Dost thou wish to drink? 

Alfred. Yes, I would like it very much. 

Edward, (aside) Alas, I have only cold water to give him. 

(Alfred drinks.) 

Alfred. Thanks, thanks, oh best of brothers. This is a 
delicious cider, fresh from Normandy. But what do I see — 
A prison! A dungeon — (excitedly) They wish to assassinate my 
brother. 

Edward, (holding Alfred's hands) Alfred, chase away these 
dark images, thou hast a nightmare. 

Alfred. A nightmare? But I am not dreaming. I see before 
me, a king — a bishop — two noble lords, Leofric and Seward, — 
Edward, my brother holding a scepter — It is beautiful — Oh, how 
beautiful. 

Edward. Come, come, my God protect us for the remainder 
of the night. Keep us from the hands of those cruel assassins. 
(they exit to their bedroom and Sweyn arrives.) 

Sweyn. Hell is in my heart — I will no longer shut that door. 
I will let them escape if they wish. Oh, thank heaven, the princes 
have not fallen under the hands of the assassins. I have seen all, 
I heard all — would that Alfred's wound were not mortal. Oh 



26 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR ; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWOkD. 

wretch, that I am, to consent to go on, from crime to crime, to 
accumulate remorse upon remorse. In the obscure cellars of the 
castle, through the thick darkness, I seemed to see, at every 
instant, eyes of fire darting at me. I trembled in all my limbs; 
a cold sweat ran down my forehead. Ah! 'twas the eye of God, 
penetrating, even into the darkest recesses of my soul. Godwin, 
thou canst damn thyself if thou wilt and live in the midst of 
assassins and demons; I will fly from thy murderous den; I will 
return to some solitary place and there do penance. 

(enter Godwin.) 

Godwin. Ceowulf has told me all ; the princes have escaped. 

Sweyn. Yes, my lord, but adieu, I leave thee. 

Godwin. Where art thou going? 

Sweyn. To the other extremities of the world. I cannot 
live here. This life of crime kills me. 

Godwin. Sweyn, do not fill thy mind with absurd imagina- 
tions. 

Sweyn. My lord? 

Godwin. Remain here and finish the work begun. Dost thou 
wish thy head to fall with the heads of the princes ? 

Sweyn. My lord, thou dost not know how good they are. 
They are not the least ambitious. Thou hast no reason to fear 
them. 

Godwin. Oh, Sweyn, thou must not judge by appearances. 

Sweyn. But thou seest that heaven is against us. 

Godwin. Ha ! ha ! heaven ! why heaven is for those who know 
how to help themselves. — The king has just died, and I am 
Suenon's tutor. 

Sweyn. The king dead. 

Godwin. Yes he died at midnight, at the very hour when the 
daggers were to fall on Edward and Alfred — But if the daggers 
did not do their duty; poison will. 

Sweyn. Poison ! 

Godwin. Yes, poison. Listen, I will expose to thee another 
project which thou must execute. 

Sweyn. (starting, looking about frightened) My lord, hast 
thou heard nothing? 

Godwin. I hear the wind against the windows. 

Sweyn. Thou hearest not voices outside. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 27 

Godwin. No, no, Sweyn now be calm, and listen well to my 
instructions. The princes are under thy care. No one must be 
allowed to see them; thou wilt sympathise with them in their 
sufferings, feign indignation at the murderous attempt to kill 
them. But, at the same time, thou wilt prepare for them their 
last beverage, — and death shall be the consequence. Dost thou 
understand ? 

Sweyn. (hesitates) I will obey, (aside) Alas! alas! for my 
misfortune, he fascinates me like a viper, he magnetizes the weak 
bird he would devour, (to Godwin) I will obey, my lord. 

Godwin. Well, well my dear Sweyn, thou art a man. 

Sweyn. (starting and listening) My lord, didst thou under- 
stand those words? 

Godwin. No. 

Sweyn. I thought I heard some one saying — thou shalt sleep 
no more. — Sweyn kills sleep. Sweet sleep the balm of wounded 
souls. 

Godwin. These are foolish imaginations; do not think of 
these things, Sweyn. 

Sweyn. Listen ! listen ! Dost thou not hear resounding in all 
parts of the house, Sweyn, no longer any sleep ! Sweyn has killed 
sleep ! Ceowulf has killed sleep ! Godwin shall sleep no more ! 

Godwin. Retire Sweyn, go to rest, till thy mind regain its 
ordinary state of tranquility. To-morrow, thou shalt be better 
able to do the good work. 

Sweyn. (in a distracted manner) To-morrow. Oh, yes, to- 
morrow ! what new crime must be committed to-morrow ? Poison 
the princes ! — is that not so ? 

Godwin. Yes, but I must speak with them before the work 
is done. Edward must give me in writing a complete resignation 
of his rights to the crown of England, in favor of his young 
step-brother. 

Sweyn. If he must die, of what benefit shall be the resigna- 
tion? 

Godwin. Oh, in public affairs we cannot be too careful. Our 
precautions must be taken. It is always good to have two cords 
to your bow. If he die, the resignation will not be useless. 

Sweyn. (returns trembling violently) Godwin! see them! 
these hands are stained with blood. 

Godwin. No, no, they are as clean and white as mine. 



28 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Sweyn. Yours also, my lord, are dripping with red blood! 
There is not water enough in all the fountains of Winchester to 
wash them. 

Godwin. Your head is deranged Sweyn, you have a delirious 
fever. Go to bed. 

Sweyn. See, the dagger! 

Godwin. Where? 

Sweyn. There ! 

Godwin. I see nothing. 

Sweyn. There ! there on the wall ! 

Godwin. I see nothing on the wall. 

Sweyn. See, see that bloody hand! See Godwin! — the long 
bony blood-stained fingers — See, it is going through the air! — 
It is coming towards us ! Away ! help ! help ! Ah ! there it goes — 
see it traces mysterious words upon the wall! 'Tis the sentence 
of Belshazzar, read Godwin. "Mane! Thekel! Phares" Ah! it 
comes again; help, help; I cannot breathe! release thy hold, vile 
specter. Ah ! (struggles, falls, Godwin rushes to the door,) 

Curtain. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 2Q 

ACT IV. 

Scene— Edward and Alfred's bedroom — (Alfred lying on bed- 
Edward on one knee, and leaning over the bed — both asleep). 
(Enter Godwin and Sweyn.) 

Godwin. They are asleep (goes to the table and examines the 
water in the pitcher). This will answer the purpose (hands 
poison to Sweyn) pour the poison in this, and then thy work is 
done. Be quick before the princes awake. 

Sweyn. (looking about in a distracted manner) Where is the 
water ? 

Godwin, (taking him by the arm and leading him to the 
table) Here, here, Sweyn before thee on the table. 

Sweyn. (advances — recoils in horror — drops phial) No! No! 
Tis blood! — (rushes in horror to the door, exit.) 

Godwin. Coward! — (picks up the phial and pours poison in 
water.) 

Edward, (awakes and looks around) Who art thou? 

Godwin. All hail to my noble prince. 

Edward. Thou art Godwin, I believe. 

Godwin. Yes prince, moreover I have brought thee here a 
means of salvation 

Edward. A means of salvation! thou art come to free us? 
Oh! say but the word, Godwin? Say that we are free? My 
brother Alfred is mortally wounded, and we have no friend here 
to help us. 

Godwin. Very well, prince, I have here a paper, which con- 
tains a resignation of thy rights to the throne of England, and 
which, if thou sign, thou shalt be free. 

Edward, (surprised) A resignation of my rights to the throne 
of England? 

Godwin. Thou hast said it, Edward. 

Edward. I cannot sign such a paper. 

Godwin. I pray thee prince do not slight my good advice ; 
listen to my friendly counsels; sign this document, sign in favor 
of thy step-brother, Suenon. 

Edward. Noble Count of Kent, it pains me to repeat: that 
what thou proposeth is impossible for me to do. I cannot sign. 

Godwin. I know that I require a great sacrifice from thee. 
I understand, that by this signature thou dost renounce all 



30 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

thy brilliant and royal aspirations. But before a necessity, per- 
sonal desires must be overlooked. It is to thy greatest interest 
prince, that thou sign this resignation. 

Edward. I have already told thee count, I cannot do so. 

Godwin. My dear Edward, listen to what I have to say, and 
thou wilt see that reason alone dictates the object of my desires. 
Thou art surrounded by enemies; thou art on the brink of an 
abyss of destruction. Despite my vigilance, and many precautions 
to protect thy person, despite the carefulness of our devoted 
Sweyn, thou seest that we cannot prevent malignant attempts 
against thy life. Already vile assassins have introduced them- 
selves even to thy most secret apartments; thy brother is griev- 
ously wounded, and thou hast escaped almost miraculously. 
Thinkest thou thy enemies will stop here? I behold in my 
mind's eye other misfortunes, more terrible and more deplorable, 
which, I dare not disclose to thee. Be wise Edward, save thy 
life, and also that of thy dear little brother. 

Edward. But what have we done that they should pursue us 
in this way? 

Godwin. Nothing prince, thou hast done nothing. 

Edward. Of what then are we guilty? 

Godwin. Of being a king, renounce that royal title, and thou 
wilt be innocent. 

Edward. Dost thou think so? 

Godwin. Most certainly. No matter whether it was our late 
King Hardicanute who sent those murderers to rid him of a 
rival ; or whether the friends of young Suenon, hope to insure by 
thy death a more peaceful reign for their new king, but what I 
do know is, that thy days are numbered if thou refuse to sign 
this document. 

Edward. And if I sign? 

Godwin. Then all thy anxieties will fade of themselves. 
Thou wilt have nothing more to fear, and thou shalt recover thy 
liberty. 

Edward. We shall be free, my brother and myself? 

Godwin. Yes, and more, I doubt not but that thou wilt be 
conducted to thy mother, the Queen. 

Edward. We shall see our mother? 

Godwin. Thou and thy brother wilt see your mother. Thy 
stay at court will be an uninterrupted succession of feasts, and 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 31 

happy rejoicings. Thou shalt be honored in a manner befitting 
thy rank and noble blood. And when thou wishest to return to 
thy friends in Normandy, thou wilt be free to do so in all liberty 
and happiness. 

Edward. Oh, peaceful fields of Normandy, when shall I 
again behold you, thy brilliant suns, thy pure joys and pleasant 
scenes ! 

Godwin. 'Tis well prince, I see with pleasure that my reason- 
ing has at last convinced thee. Here is the paper, here the pen, 
sign. 

Edward. Count of Kent, I repeat, 'tis impossible, I cannot 
sign. 

Godwin, (surprised and disappointed) Thou canst not. 

Edward. No. 

Godwin. I beseech thee Edward sign immediately, 'tis in the 
name of liberty, I ask thee to sign. 

Edward. I cannot. 

Godwin. By the love thou hast of thy dear little brother. 

Edward. 'Tis impossible. 

Godwin. By the memory thou still preservest of thy dear ones 
in Normandy. 

Edward. I cannot, dost thou hear me, Godwin, I cannot. 

Godwin. So save thy life, prince ! 

Edward. I cannot, I must not, nor do I wish to do so. 

Godwin. Thou canst not? Art thou not free to act? What is 
there to prevent thee. 

Edward. My country, my duty, my honor and my God. I 
was born King of England — And I must die King of England. 

Godwin. Thou art King of England. 

Edward. I am. 

Godwin. Where are thy subjects? Oh, King! 

Edward. In all parts of the Kingdom, from the Strait of 
Dover to the mountains of Scotland. 

Godwin. King of England! Where are thy soldiers? 

Edward. I would have but a word to say, and that word 
would vibrate to the very extremities of Britain. 

Godwin. Thou hast then come to overthrow the throne of 
Suenon, and establish thine own upon its ruins? 

Edward. No, Godwin, a thousand times no! 



32 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR) OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Godwin. Then sign. 

Edward. I cannot. I must not. And I will not. 

Godwin. Thou wilt not! The reason is very evident; thou 
dost nourish in thy bosom, some secret and ambitious hope. 
Answer me, prince, is not this the case ? 

Edward. And thou, Count of Kent, answer me in return, 
am I not the lawful son of Ethelred? Am I not his legitimate 
heir to the throne of England? Has not an unjust invasion 
robbed me of my rights to the crown? By what title, then, dost 
thou, my subject, come here to extort from me, thy King, his 
sacred rights? Answer me, subject, by what power dost thou 
these things. 

Godwin. I seek thy dearest interests prince. 

Edward. Who has charged thee with this work? 

Godwin. My devotion to thy royal person; my undying love 
for thee. 

Edward. This is hypocritical devotion: The devotion of a 
traitor. 

Godwin, (angrily) Thou insultest me. 'Tis useless to reason 
with thee. Listen prince I command thee to sign immediately. 

Edward. I will not sign. (Alfred sits up in the bed and 
watches with anxiety.) 

Godwin. Learn wretch that it is / who have caused thee to 
be imprisoned here. 

Edward. I knew it, before thou saidst it. 

Godwin. Thou art in my power: Thy life is in my hands. 

Edward. My body is in thy hands; but my soul is free. 

Godwin. Sign, or thou shalt die. 

Edward. The God of the cross will give me strength to die a 
martyr. 

Godwin. Never has anyone dared to speak to me thus. 

Edward. Then thou hast never spoken to a King. 

Godwin. Thou shalt suffer, wretch, for this insolence. 

Edward. Go! unfaithful subject: Go! finish thy work of 
crime and iniquity. But remember, there is a God above who 
watches over the defenceless orphan, and whose punishment 
even the powerful and crafty cannot escape. 

Godwin. Demons of hell! Satan! furies! help to rid me of 
this youth who is my torment. (exit) 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR ; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 33 

Edward, (alone) Oh, my God, grant me the strength and 
courage sufficient to continue firm to the end. I abandon my lot 
to thy holy will, do with me as you pleasest. 

Alfred. I heard all, Edward. Why didst thou not sign? 

Edward. Had I thought that such an act would have saved 
thy life, I would have done so, Alfred. 

Alfred. But I speak for thee Edward, not for myself; to- 
morrow I shall be no more. 

Edward. If my lot is determined upon, such base concessions 
would not soften the cruelty of these tigers. 

Alfred. Who knows Edward, but that they might be moved 
to compassion. 

Edward. Moreover, even if such an act would have saved 
my life, I would never be like Esau, consent to exchange my 
birthright for a mass of potage. No, Alfred, let us be frank 
and honest, with all. 'Tis preferable to die with a pure and an 
untarnished reputation. 

Alfred. I hear noise, Edward — Dost thou not hear some one 
coming ? 

Edward. Yes. 

Alfred. Perhaps those murderers have come to finish their 
work. Oh God, come to our assistance, (enter Oswin with a 
bundle of clothes.) 

Edward. Who art thou ? 

Oswin. One of thy devoted subjects — Oh King. 

Edward. Thy name? 

Oswin. My name is Oswin. 

Edward. What wishest thou here? 

Oswin. Take this disguise and fly. 

Edward. Where shall I fly? 

OswiN. To the country; beyond the city gates. 

Edward. To whom shall I go? 

Oswin. To my father — To my father's camp. 

Edward. Who is thy father? 

Oswin. Seward, Count of Northumberland. 

Edward. Thou art the son of Seward? 

Oswin. Seward is my father. 

Edward. Give me thy hand. Thou art the son of an honest 
man, a generous and noble Briton. 



LofC.i 



34 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR J OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Alfred. Approach son of Seward and let me press thy 
hand. Thine is the first friendly countenance we have seen since 
our sojourn in England. Tis a ray of light which pierces the 
somber gloom which surrounds us. 

Oswin. Fly, my princes — In the name of God, put on these 
clothes, both of you, and fly. 

Alfred. 'Tis impossible for me in my present condition, but 
for thee Edward, fly and save thy life. 

Edward. How can we escape from this place ? 

Oswin. With this disguise it will be easy. They will think 
you are servants from the castle. These keys will open the 
inner doors. The guardian at the outer door has been bribed, 
and you have nothing to fear. Once outside the castle, you will 
meet friends who will escort you in safety to my father's camp. 

Edward. To thy father's camp? Is thy father at war with 
Winchester ? 

Oswin. No, prince. My father with a number of other 
nobles, among whom is Leofric of Leicester, came here on press- 
ing business. On hearing that your Royal Highness was in 
danger, they all assembled with their servants and many fol- 
lowers, and have determined to free thee. 

Alfred. But how have they learned that we are helpless 
prisoners here ? 

Oswin. It is not yet known as a certainty. This morning 
my father sent me at the risk of my life to see if it were true. 
I left at the dawn of morn, and here I am. But enough of this. 
We are losing precious time. Go, go and save thyself, my prince. 

Edward. I cannot abandon my brother. 

Oswin. I have here clothes for both of you. 

Edward. He is too weak. His wound renders him incapable 
of flight. 

Oswin. Then I will remain with him. But fly prince; I be- 
seech thee, fly! 

Edward. I cannot consent to leave thee here in such imminent 
danger. 

Oswin. There is no danger for me, 'tis thy death they seek. 
The death of the presumptive heir to the throne of England. And 
even though there be danger, gladly would I give my life to save 
that of my King. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR*, OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 35 

Edward. Never will I procure my liberty at the cost of a 
friend's blood. 

Oswin. My liege, thou wouldst not refuse my sword, my 
courage and even my blood on the field of battle. Why refuse 
my services now? 

Edward. I cannot Oswin. Cease to urge me to do such a 
thing, duty retains me here at my brother's side. Leave us, my 
brave friend. For my part I must remain. 

Oswin. Then I too will remain, I also have a duty to perform, 
which is to protect and defend my King. If the assassins come 
again, 'tis my breast will meet their poignards, or theirs, mine. 

Alfred. Thou art as noble as thou art brave. 

Edward. Oswin, as thy King, I command thee to return to 
thy father, and tell him, that I thank him profoundly for his 
fidelity, but, that my duty to a dying brother, prevents me from 
yielding to his desires. 

Oswin. Thou commandest me? 

Edward. As thy King, I command thee. 

Oswin. Then I obey my King. 

Edward, (taking his hand) God will reward thee Oswin, for 
thy courage and zeal. 

Oswin. May God preserve thee to England, and to the affec- 
tions of all her subjects. 

Alfred. Adieu ! dear Oswin, we will meet again in heaven — 
adieu. (Oswin exits.) 

Alfred. Why didst thou not go Edward. 

Edward. Godwin would have killed thee before the castle 
fell into our hands. 

Alfred. But what difference would it make; I am destined 
to die! 

Edward. Alfred, suppose I had been in thy place, and thou 
in mine, what wouldst thou have done? 

Alfred. I would never have left thee, brother. 

Edward. Then the -affair finishes here. Let us speak no more 
about it. 

Alfred. My throat is parching, Edward? This wound gives 
me such a fever (drinks) This water tastes very bad.. Brother 
I feel sick. .That water has made me ill. .Oh! I am getting weak, 
brother. . I feel dizzy, .my whole interior seems about to burst 



36 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

asunder, .something strange is running through my veins.. 
Edward I have been poisoned. 

Edward. Poisoned. 

Alfred. Yes, I feel it ; the poison is doing its work — Yes, yes. 
I am poisoned. 

Edward. Tis the water I gave thee to drink. .Alas I should 
have known better. My brother is poisoned. Poisoned, .and 
through my fault. 

Alfred. Be calm Edward, be calm. 

Edward. Oh, why did the murderer fail in his attempt to 
take my life — I would not then have poisoned my brother. 
My God, send us help, send us a friend to aid us? Alfred, is 
there no means of ejecting these mortal germs of death? 

Alfred. 'Tis too late brother; already the somber veil of 
death drops over my eyes. I can see no longer. 

Edward. Oh, my brother! joy of my days, my life, my only 
source of happiness here below, do not leave me, only let me 
follow thee to the tomb. My God save him, or take me also ! 

Alfred. Edward, .give me thy hand. . I. .thank, .thee, for all 
the good, .counsels, .thou hast given me. .for. .thy good examples 
-.for thy. .charity. . I forgive. .Godwin. . I pardon, .the hand., 
that struck me. .and the hand.. that prepared, .the poison.. I 
pardon.. all my enemies, .thou wilt. .give, .my last, .words, .of 
love.. to our friends in. .Normandy. .Tell them.. how happy.. I 
would, .have been.. to see them, .before. . I. .died, .adieu, .adieu 
. .Edward adieu. . 
Edward. My brother. 

Alfred. How I would be pleased to have, .to have a priest. ► 
to hear my last, .confession, .my God. .forgive me. .my sins. - 
Mary, .mother, .angels, .of heaven, and all ye saints, .pray, .for 
me. .Edward. .Edward. .Pray for me. 

Edward. May God bless thee my brother, and may he take 
thee to His arms. 

Alfred. Amen. .My brother, .thou, .art destined to reign in 
the near future. .In the. .name, .of heaven.. I beseech, .thee. . 
pursue thy rights, .to the throne, .of England. Jesus. .Jesus. . 
Mary. Joseph. . (expires.) 

End of Act Fourth. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. $7 

ACT V. 

Scene— -Pmon. Edward seated at table sleeping. Enter Godwin 

and Synewulf. 

Godwin, (holding Synewulf by the arm.) There is the one 
thou must strike. Your dagger missed him the first time; the 
poison failed to do the work; but this time there is nothing to 
prevent thee from striking surely. 

Synewulf. (trying to get away.) But my lord — my hand 
trembles — I cannot strike him. 

Godwin. Do the deed or thou shalt die in his stead — Ceowulf 
has done his share; thou must finish him. Choose between life 
and death. Strike or die. 

Synewulf. (after some reflection.) I will strike — (Takes his 
poignard and goes up very slowly behind Edward. Godwin 
watches him for a while then disappears. Edward awakes. Syne- 
wulf remains in back watching him.) 

Edward. Alfred! Oh! Alfred! why art thou not here at my 
side. How empty the world seems since thou hast left me alone, 
without thy tender company, in this somber prison, death is pre- 
ferable to life — Oh, Alfred! Alfred! why hast thou abandoned 
me? But what do I say! Why should I desire him to linger any 
longer in this world of misery and tears. He is happy in his 
abode of heavenly repose. Why dost thou delay Godwin ; why not 
finish thy bloody work and strike this heart as thou didst that of 
my brother? Ah, Alfred, thou didst say, "I would reign as King 
of England." Do I resemble a King? cast here in this miserable 
prison, surrounded by implacable enemies, with death staring me 
in the face, having but a step to make, to descend in the dark 
recesses of the grave. (Loud report, just as Synewulf is about to 
strike; Synewulf drops dagger and escapes; Edward rises sud- 
denly and sees, indistinctly at first, a vision of Alfred surrounded 
by a light of glory.) Ah, what do I see. .what means this 
light. — How beautiful, how brilliant — Is it thou brother who art 
come to my obscure dungeon to brighten it with a ray of thy 
celestial light. — Ah ! this thought ? — A vow ? — Rome ? — St. Peters ? 
—Alfred, art thou here, .to whisper to my soul this holy inspira- 
tion? — Yes! I will make this vow. (vision vanishes) My God, 
thou seest me deprived of every succor; my friends are far away, 
and now they seek my soul and my life. But thou, Oh Lord! 



38 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR ', OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

thou art the protector of the orphan. In times past thou didst 
miraculously save Edwin from death and restored him to his 
kingdom. Thou didst recall from exile that glorious champion, 
the saintly King Oswald, and by the virtues of the sign of the 
cross Thou gavest him victory over his enemies. If in like 
manner thou extend to me, the power of thy protection, and 
restore to me the throne which is mine, I make, at this moment, 
Oh, Lord ! my God ! this solemn vow. Thou wilt be the God of 
my heart, of my soul, and of my entire being forever. Thy holy 
Apostle St. Peter, shall be the patron of my choice, and of my 
kingdom and my people. Moreover, I will make a pilgrimage to 
the Eternal City and there, prostrate before the tombs of the 
Apostles, venerate their blessed reliques. Thou art my God, in 
thee alone I place my confidence. 

(Enter Godwin, Sweyn, Ceowulf, Synewulf.) 

Godwin. Well, Edward, art thou ready to sign the resignation? 
Hast thou learned wisdom in thy misfortune? 

Edward. My misfortunes, as thou callst them, have only 
served to make me firmer in my refusal to sign. 

Godwin. What! thou art still obstinate! Reflect Edward, do 
not refuse this last means of salvation. It will soon be too late 
to accept. Thy refusal will cost thee thy life. 

Edward. It will then have rid me of a burden, with which I 
fain would part. 

Godwin. Dost thou know Leofric and Seward ? 

Edward. I know Leofric. 

Godwin. Has not Leofric written to thee of late? 

Edward. No, my Lord. 

Godwin. Did he not send a deputy to thee ? 
,. Edward. No one came to me on the part of Leofric. 

Godwin. Dost thou know that Leofric and Seward have 
attacked the castle and that both have paid with their lives the 
penalty of their disloyalty? 

Edward. My God ! Is it possible ! 

Godwin. And in an instant if thou continue in thy stub- 
bornness, the same punishment shall fall upon thee. 

Edward. Then why delay thy murderous designs any longer; 
my brother is no more; and my friends have left this world; 
what shall I do here all alone. 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR ; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 39 

Godwin. Executioners — take him to the place of torture. 
Pluck out his eyes and pierce his tongue with a hot iron; you 
will then cut off his right hand, and his left foot, and leave him 
to die of starvation, (mockingly) Hast thou courage to endure 
all these torments, oh King? Thou art silent, answer. 

Edward. Such menaces, and such cruelties deserve no answer, 
Count of Kent. 

Godwin. Away with him, and proceed at once. 

Edward. My father! forgive them, for they know not what 
they do ! 

Godwin. Ha! ha! ha! console thyself, oh King, with these 
pious mottos — We shall see in a moment if they are powerful 
enough to save thee. Away (exit Edward, Ceowulf, Synewulf.) 

Godwin (to Sweyn). Sweyn — see that the work be done 
quickly — in five minutes he must have ceased to live, and in ten, 
the tomb must cover his remains. And when the work is over, 
come immediately and inform me of thy success, (exit Sweyn) 
Ah, Edward, thou shalt know what a Godwin can do to those 
who resist his power (calling) Redwald! Redwald! 

(Enter Redwald.) 

Godwin. Go tell Oswald who is in command of our defense, 
that he must send a deputy to Seward and Leof ric, and offer them 
admittance here, and the liberty of searching every apartment of 
the castle, that they may see for themselves, that the young 
princes are not here. Tell him to give them every assurance 
of my good faith, and if they fear to come alone, they may even 
bring with them a sufficient number of men to defend them ! — Go. 

Redwald. My Lord, thy orders shall be executed to the letter. 

(Exit.) 

Godwin. Really, things are succeeding well — the two princes 
are no more. In a few moments, the lords will see for them- 
selves that they are not here — and before me opens a brilliant 
future. Years of power, without obstacles, and without rival. 

(Enter Sweyn.) 

Sweyn. My Lord, the prince is taken care of. 

Godwin. Good! there will be no longer any reason to fear 
him. (Sweyn looks sad) But thou art sad, Sweyn; — what is 
troubling thee? 

Sweyn. I am thinking my lord, that power and dignity in 
this world are sometimes dearly bought. 



40 EDWARD THE CONFESSOR J OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 

Godwin. True — but again, power brings with it many satisfac- 
tions. Is it not a supreme satisfaction to be able to overthrow 
the plans of one's enemies — Ah, Seward, Leofric, bow your proud 
heads to the dust; come, bend the knee before Godwin, for 'tis 
Godwin that conquers, 'tis Godwin who is the master. Ah ! Ah ! 
Ah! Godwin, is the acting King of England, (enter Redwald) 
Ah, Redwald, what now? 

Redwald. My lord — the enemy have attacked the castle and 
our defense has been completely routed, (exit Sweyn) They say 
Oswin, son of Seward, penetrated into the very chambers of the 
princes, and they demand that they be handed over at once. 

Godwin. Malediction — There are then traitors in my own 
castle — Sweyn — where is Sweyn. 

Redwald. (looking around) My lord — here comes Seward 
with his soldiers. 

Godwin. Furies — I am foiled — but — 

(enter Seward with soldiers.) 

Oswin. Arrest him. This is their prison — Further over the 
bedroom. Where are they Godwin? Count of Kent, where are 
the princes ? 

Godwin. If thou wilt find thy King — go descend the long 
stairs at the east end of the castle — They will lead thee to a 
subterranean cavern, — there, shall you find two mounds; dig 
down three feet, and thou shalt find the King of England, and 
his brother. 

Oswin. What, they are dead ! 

Godwin. Ah ! Ah ! Ah ! thou hast said it : Thy King is dead. 
(enter Leofric with soldiers) What is this I hear! Edward dead. 

Godwin. Yes, thinkest thou I would willingly fall in your 
hands before satisfying my revenge on him who would have 
brought me to ruin had he conquered? Listen well Seward, hear 
me Leofric, and all you lords and servants. Edward — Your 
Edward — Edward your King is dead! (enter Sweyn.) 

Sweyn. No, Count of Kent, Edward the King is not dead ! 

Seward. What sayest thou, Edward lives? 

Sweyn. Learn Godwin — that for the past two days, I have 
consented to act as Edward's jailer, only that I might save him. 
My lords you will find him in an adjoining room, where I left 
him until I might assure myself of the taking of the castle. 

(exit Oswin.) 



EDWARD THE CONFESSOR; OR, SCEPTRE AND SWORD. 41 

Godwin, (rushes at Sweyn with drawn sword) Traitor— 
[(Duel; Sweyn wounded — enter Edward and Oswin.) 

Edward to Godwin. Stop ! wretch ! 

All. Edward! — All hail to our King. 

Sweyn. (dying) Oh my King. .Pardon. .Pardon my cruelty 
..I die.. I deserve it. .Say thou dost forgive me, and I die con- 
tent. 

Edward. Sweyn — I owe thee my life — die in peace — all is 
forgiven (Sweyn dies). 

Godwin. Edward, thou hast conquered — here is my heart. 
Strike! — take thy revenge! 

Edward. A Christian takes not revenge—he pardons. 

Godwin. I do not want thy pardon — Strike. 

Edward. Godwin I forgive thee all. 

Godwin. Then my own hand shall do the work, (lifts Poig- 
nard to strike.) 

Leofric. Arrest him. 

Godwin. Away ! touch me not ; life is odious to me now— 'tis 
death I want! (soldiers prevent him from stabbing himself.) 

Leofric. Take him away (exit Godwin between soldiers). 
Edward, son of Ethelred ; all hail to thee, oh King of England. 

All. All hail to our King. 

Edward. My lords — brothers — and friends in my misfortunes 
my heart bursts with emotion at such a sudden reverse of events. 
Receive my most sincere thanks for the generosity with which 
you all have interested yourselves in saving me from the power 
of my enemies. Leofric, thou shalt be my counselor. Brave 
Seward, the chief of England's forces on land and sea ; and thou, 
generous Oswin, wilt replace at my side the vacancy made by 
my absent brother. Oh Alfred thou dost no doubt take part in 
my triumph, a triumph which thy prayers have brought upon me ; 
then rejoice, thy brother honors and blesses thee. — Now my lords, 
let us go to the altar and there, in solemn prayer, render thanks 
to God for all he has designed to grant us. 

All. Long live Edward— long live the KING OF THE 
SAXONS! 

Curtain. 



DEG 22 1904 



f^^J Q^^y/yA a Well Wishing fa Verse and Prose 

With an Appendix of Prose Compositions, 
Salutatory Addresses and Valedictory Orations for School Festivals. 



TRICE, Bound m Cloth, 



- 75 Cents. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



New Year's "Wishes : 

To the Parents, 12 nos. 

•• Father, 2 

" Mother, 2 

To Grandparents, 2 
the Grandfather, 2 
" Grandmother, 2 
Uncle or Aunt, 2 
Brother or Sister, 4 
Teachers, 5 

Clergymen, 1 

a Friend. 8 

Birthday Wishes : 

To the Father, 9 

" Mother, 10 

" Grandfather, 5 

" Grandmother, 3 

To Uncle or Aunt, 2 

" Teachers, 5 

" Clergymen, 1 

Christmas Wishes : 
To Parents, 4 

Verses for Engagements 
and Marriages : 

To an Engaged Couple, 3 
" Bridegroom, 1 



To Bride, 

On the Wedding Day, 

Home Coming of a Young 

Couple, 
With Flowers, 

Verses for Jubilees : 

On Presentation of a Silver 

Wreath. 
For a Silver Wedding. 

" Golden Wedding. 
Grandparents' Golden 

Wedding. 
An niversary of an Employee 
Anniversary of a Clergyman 
A Teacher's Anniversary. 

Poems for various Cele- 
brations : 
Reception of a NewTeacher. 
School Children's Welcome 

to a Clergyman, 
Installation of a Clergyman. 
Anniversary of a Society. 

Verses of Farewell: 

To a Friend. 
" Teacher. 

Epitaphs and Inscriptions 
for Tombstones : 

General Inscriptions. 



Special Inscriptions ; 
For a Child. 

" Youth. 

" Young Girl. 

" Father. 

" Mother. 
For Parents. 
For a Husband. 

" Wife. 

" Clergyman. 

" Religious. 

" Teacher. 

Elegies for Deaths and 
Burials : 

At the Grave of a Clergyman 
At the Grave of a Teacher. 

Prose Compositions: 

Expressions of Faith, Grati- 
tude, and Good Wishes 
suitable for Addresses, 
Betters, Memorials, 
Resolutions, Testi- 
monials, etc., to Teachers, 
Clergymen, etc., etc. 

Salutatory Addresses: 
For School Festivals, 5. 

Valedictory Orations : 

For School Festivals, 5. 



From the above description, and contents and specimens of GOD-SPEED found on next 
page, the great usefulness and opportuneness of this entirely new and original book will be 
apparent. 

Every piece in this book has been especially composed and written for it by competent 
and gifted writers, and, while exaggerated and bombastic style has been scrupulously avoided, 
care has been taken to render the pieces, in thought and expression, worthy of the name Poetry. 

A book of like character and scope has not existed, in our language, previous to this. 

This UNIQUE BOOK supplies appropriate sentiment, clothed in beautiful language, for 
joyful and pathetic events in human life, and there is hardly anybody to whom the book 
would not be eminently serviceable on many occasions. 

For Schools and Educational Institutions this book is altogether indispensable. The 
appendix of SALUTATORY ADDRESSES and VALEDICTORY ORATIONS for School 
Festivals will be to them of special service. 



JOSEPH F. WAGNER, 9 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



■ 



Book has just been adopted as 
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S COLLI 




017 400 918 1 



Select c Recitations, Orations am 
dramatic Scenes 

with c/ldions and Emphasis 
An Elocutionary Manual 

Containing J00 Selections from the Leading Poets, Orators and Dramatists, supplied 

'with copious and minute directions for their CORRECT, 

GRACEFUL and IMPRESSIVE DELIVERY. 




By C. J. BIRBECK 

Professor of Elocution and English Literature 



PRICE, bound in cloth, J ,00 



This volume, which contains the Movements and Gestures suitable to the 
recitations, the Emphatic Words properly marked, and directions relative to 
Time, Pitch, and Force in marginal notes, will be found very useful not only 
to the Student but also to the Class Teacher. The selections found in this 
book are strictly moral in tone, choice in literary merits, evenly diversified in 
sentiment and graded to the capabilities of all students. 



From a number of flattering testimonials, the following one may suffice: 

The Rev. J. H. McGBAN, P.R., St. Peter's Church, New York City, in 
adopting this volume for the elocution class of his school, writes: 

*' The selections ; both dramatic and oratorical ', will commend the volume to 
students of elocution, and will be welcomed by all who cultivate the art of cor- 
red speaking and reading by their pupils. The full directions for voice and 
gesture (a new feature in such a work) will aid both teacher and pupil.** 

A copy of the book is mailed free upon receipt of fi.oo. 

Correspondence with a view to introduction is respectfully solicited by 
the publisher. 

JOSEPH F. WAGNER, 9 BARCLAY .STREET, NEW YORK 



